Pain of Separation

There are numerous ways to feel pain. There is the pain that happens when you fall down and scrape your elbow, pain that occurs when you have ongoing chronic health issues and then there is the pain of separation or the emotional pain of losing a loved one. I remember working with the Funeral Homes in BC and the absolute crushing pain associated with the loss of a loved one.  There was an emptiness that was hard to explain on the loved one’s behalf and a pain of not being able to relieve the hurt on the bystander’s side. How do you let people know that their loved one is with the Father in Heaven without belittling their pain of loss? While their loved one is in a far better place with no pain or worries, there is still the pain of separation here on earth; that void in a person’s life where there was once a loved one.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

In this one promise, I hold onto hope and a assurance of a temporary separation and, for me, this eases the pain of my suffering. My mom kissed my boo boos better and the world seemed right. My specialist gave me meds to deal with the pain and swelling and, even though the meds haven’t kicked in yet, the hope of wellness made the sky a bit brighter and the breeze a bit warmer. When I feel that pain of loss, Christ’s promise of a future wrapped in the peace and joy of the Father makes facing each day a lot easier. We continue to pray for the families of those suffering loss in the Humboldt accident and now pray for the families of those who lost loved ones in Toronto and those who are recovering and also those who continue to heal in Humboldt.

Join us either in person or online as we celebrate the love and joy of our Saviour and King. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

One Last Selfless Act

As I sit and contemplate what God wants me to share each week, I am always amazed at what, and how He will deliver. I have become so accustomed to seeing His presence that it is difficult to write about any one topic. Through tragedy, and death in our communities, He inspires and galvanizes people to help and lean on each other. Where strangers once walked it seems, people are beginning to notice, care, and smile at each other. It’s not everywhere, yet it is in more places than yesterday.

As Jesus walked, died in the human, so that we could live, so do some people. This past week, a man passed away, perhaps saying see you later to his family and friends. The one last selfless act was the donation of organs, so others could have life. A lesson of human nature perhaps, but I’d like to believe that Jesus told him, and taught him to be like Him. In the face of death, Jesus asked Father God to forgive mankind. God did, and even offered us a way to be with Him in eternity. You see a part of Jesus was given unto men and women so we may have the opportunity at life eternal. It is up to us to never reject that.

God shows up, or at least makes Himself known to us when He knows we truly need Him. It could be the smallest of victories with your banker, employer, family, or even through a strangers’ touch. Perhaps this week he gave you another birthday, or allowed a medical appointment to be moved up. Perhaps He welcomed a family member or friend into His kingdom. Maybe He made you wait just one more day for something, because He needed you to think something through. Whatever occurred happened for a reason only He knows. We will never figure out how God works, or why things roll out the way they do. The best that we can do is trust that His plan for us, is in our best interest.

Bad things will take place every day in our community. Please refrain from laying blame on God as a knee jerk reaction. Where is God in our troubles and tragedies? He’s right in front of you, beside you, and behind you, and when you acknowledge Him, you will feel His presence inside you. Even now He is planning a tomorrow just for you, and for me. Look up, walk forward and just say thanks.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Peter's Picks

The Perfect 7-day Diet – Peter’s Picks

‘Compassion for Others’

Day 1: Matthew 5:9 – “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

Day 2: Galatians 6:2 – “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Day 3: Ephesians 4:32 – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Day 4: 1 Peter 4:10 – “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

Day 5: James 1:27 – “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

Day 6: 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

Day 7: Colossians 3:12, 13 – “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

** Verses taken from the New Living Translation

Patiently Waiting

Doesn’t it seem like we are always waiting for something? As children, we would wait each day for our dad to come home from work. We would count the days until Christmas morning, or even our next birthday.  We couldn’t wait until the school year ended for that summer vacation, and finally for graduation day. I’m sure that every groom would be waiting for his bride to appear on a very special day. Then we would wait for that special delivery as our children came into the world, one by one. For me, my wife spent years waiting for me to come home from work, or from playing a band gig. Silently, and faithfully she patiently waited and all would be right with our world when we could hold each other. These days, we now wait for doctor appointments, long distant phone calls from our children, and for Sunday church service, all with anticipation of good news.

As I thought about this, I also realized that we as people, especially these days, are very impatient. We dislike traffic lights, grocery lines, debit machines and it seems, any response to posts on social media. We are so conditioned to expect immediate fulfillment that we forget that the clock ticks at the same speed as it did two thousand years ago. We cannot make the world or our situations turn any faster than it will. The speed of everything we do, or accomplish, seems to depend on someone else. We are definitely in a time where the patience of Job, is not in our equation.

I thought about just how patient God must be. He is now sitting, watching as the world He created runs amok. Yet He patiently waits. The paradise He gave us is populated with people who seem to choose hate and separation, over love and unity. Yet He patiently waits. He has gifted us with freedom of choice, to accept Him, or reject Him. He has so much faith in humankind that He has allowed Satan to remain to tempt us. Yet He patiently waits. He even sent His Son, Jesus to live and die among us, promising us eternal life with Him, in return for simply believing, as in John 3:16.

With all of this in our history, and in our future, we should seriously be asking ourselves this question. What am I waiting for? Today is the day we should tell God that we’re ready to be with Him for ever. After all, He has been patiently waiting your entire life until now to hear those words from your heart.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Oh What A Wonderful Life

This past week, the world lost an amazing woman. Barbara Bush always struck me as a very kind and loving person who would defend her family and her faith to the very end. She seemed to radiate compassion even when the times seem to warrant another reaction. I was listening to excerpts from her life and in a speech, she said this:

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent. Barbara Bush

How often does our calendar rule our daily lives? I have had days where the rainbow of colours on my calendar blend into one confusing mess. A look at my week resembles a demented Picasso that was left out in the rain and then wiped down with an old newspaper. Looking back now, I ask myself where was my time out for God, my family, myself?

I have taken time during this period of illness and pain, to reflect and analyse my own personal schedule. No, this is not a pity party for me, it is about healthy living and a healthy spiritual walk. The world has defined success as a busyness that keeps us striving for more time at things that, frankly, don’t really matter. Mrs. Bush hit the nail on the head when she talked about those things in life matter a whole hill of beans. Yes, my boss wants me to be successful because this makes him successful but at 65, that person no longer matters but my family is still there. I am sorry I did not spend more time with my family in earlier years. Have I changed my habits? A little bit but there is so much more I could be not doing so that I can be doing what is truly important; God, family, friends.

The world puts doubt in your mind. Your are not successful unless your entire being is 100% dedicated to being at the top of the pile. That doubt sets in, families and relationships are strained and chaos ensues. What is truly important to you? This Sunday, we look at doubt in the New Testament and seek His wisdom for us in the Scriptures.  Join us either in person or online as we celebrate the love and joy of our Saviour and King. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Where Was God This Week?

Our country has been in mourning this past week. The loss of so many members of the Humboldt Bronco’s hockey team in Saskatchewan has taken the air out of the lungs of every Canadian, everywhere. The shock has held the hearts of everyone into our throats to the point of making it hard to breathe. I’ve read and heard emotional statements that range from condolence to criticism. I’ve even read the proverbial question in a situation like this. “Where was God in all of this?” This is a valid question in times of stress and grief.

I asked the same thing when my father passed away. Well, God showed me a few years later that He was with my father as He welcomed him into Heaven, releasing him from the pain of the cancer that beat his body. God was also with our family in a way that only He could be. He allowed us to cry, and cry out to Him, then He showed us that what dad had to leave behind, was much stronger than we knew. It was each other.

Be assured that God was with all of those on the team bus from the time it departed, through the impact, and beyond as He carried them to Heaven to their rooms in His mansion. Even now He remains with the ones that are in the hospital. He is with all the families, who are grieving, and with those who support them. He is with the driver of the truck, who is now living with the nightmare that will remain with him for life, regardless of the cause or circumstance. As terrible as this is, this event has galvanized Canada like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It has caused families of all sports teams to realize how precious life is and perhaps has pulled each other closer. God did not cause, or allow this accident to happen. He does not toy with mankind this way. Yet, He has caused our country to come to a place of loving each other just a bit more than we did a week ago. The gestures of support are genuine, and not people jumping on a social media bandwagon. He was present during the tribute service in the hometown rink, and will be present with His hand on every casket that will be carried.

He is also in all of our own situations as some of us face having to say good-bye to a loved one who is suffering. He is with our family members, even the ones who do not acknowledge Him. He is with you in your own failings, and victories, and He will be the one who opens your eyes tomorrow morning, either here on Earth, or in Heaven with Him.

To the question about where God is in all of this. The answer is, He is everywhere, and all over, holding the hands and hearts of the ones left behind, and He won’t let go. In Hebrews 13:5 He tells us all that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. That is where God is and will be.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

Another Promise Fulfilled

Many years ago, I was in charge of planning a birthday party. At that time, I was so busy and barely had time for myself but I truly wanted to do this party up big and promised that it would be done. Time flew by and much of what needed to be done had been taken care of but there were still a few who kept on top of me asking if I had forgotten or if I was going to screw it up. My word is my bond and if I say it will be done, it is as good as done. The day came for the big party and everything, well almost everything, went off as planned. The one thing that was out of my control, that is the person who was the object of the party, decided to have a nap and almost missed the celebration. His decision almost cost him but in the end, he answered his phone, got off the couch and made it to the party only a couple minutes late.

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:15-17 NIV

Jesus has been with the disciples for three years, teaching them and showing them the love of God. He has promised them so much and yet they still question him.

“How do we know these things?” or “Lord, show us the Father so that we will know”. Christ has shown them the way, He has given them the direction and still they want to know who, what, where, when and how. “Show me the holes in your wrists and side, then I shall believe!” Let me finish up verse 17 from John 14:

“The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

The world will be napping, not believing the Truth. They will question and they will doubt but there is time for the Holy Spirit is with us all to the end, in other words, forever. For the next few weeks until Pentecost, we are going to delve into the importance of Holy Spirit in our daily lives, answer some of the questions and maybe this will be the wakeup call for those who are taking a nap. This celebration is for everyone – are we ready?

This Sunday, we invite you to join us either in person or online as we celebrate the love and joy of our Saviour and King. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd

Daily Reminder

Well a week has now passed since we acknowledged Jesus' crucifixion, and celebrated His resurrection. I would like to believe that we, who follow Christ, are still holding onto the reminder of this each day. Are we giving thanks in our own way each day? Are we feeling the gravity of the sacrifice and the elation of the love that He has shown us, or has life resumed as usual? I for one have a renewed sense of thanks and appreciation for the prayers that we sing through our worship. The lyrics now settle even deeper in my heart and spirit, and my hope is that it does the same for everyone.

I have seen each day of this past week how God is revealing Himself. At least this is how I see it. From the chance encounter of a stranger who seemingly had nothing but the early morning sun to warm him, to a private message prayer request from a cousin I have not seen in years. Just like you perhaps, I look for God around every corner, yet He shows up when I least expect Him. I watch for Him, yet never see Him coming, until He has moved in some way. I am including these examples to remind us that we see His presence daily, and not just at Christmas and Easter. He is with us while we are alive, and not just when we are life's end.

It is just the time that we are at a breaking point in life that He makes Himself known. He will be there through our health, financial, and emotional troubles. He doesn't leave or distance Himself from our lives, yet we seem to make the decision to pull away from Him. It is unfair to God that we call on Him only when it is convenient for us. He should not be treated like a fair-weather friend, rather He should be seen as an all-weather friend. My encouragement is this. Enter His house expecting to be filled. Engage in worship with your faith family. Unfold your arms and extend them toward Him. Raise your hands and reach for the sky as He continues to reign down on your situation. In other words, let Him into your home, your heart, and your life, and remember that He would do it all over again, just for you. That, my friends, is how much Jesus loves us.

Mike Shindruk

www.mastershandministry.blogspot.ca

To God Be The Glory

Over the past 18 years of ministry, I have often had to defend my position regarding my faith and my God. So many times, the argument comes right down to two simple questions; where is your proof of an all-powerful deity and what about those who are already good, kind and loving people but don’t believe in God? I am going to leave the proof question for another time as I have spoken at length on this subject but rarely have I addressed the second question.

This is a question I had numerous years ago from someone who wanted nothing to do with the church. I want you to understand that this person was not being confrontational, this person really wanted to know why. The question: “My friend is a great guy. Never swears, is honest as the day is long, believes that his word is his bond doesn’t smoke, never gets drunk and is the greatest person you would ever want to know. What makes this person any different from anyone else who is of like character but they believe in God. Is it God that makes the person good or is it the attitude in that person that makes them good?” Very good question and quite complex but there is a solid answer.

Goodness is a quality found in many people. To understand the joy and peace of God is to have an anchor and a model of goodness to rely and lean upon when a person is tested. Yes, good people who do not believe in God can have great and wonderful lives just like Christians have but there is a very big difference. Scripture says; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9 NIV. The goodness shown by people of faith and people who do not believe in Christ is great for the overall physical and emotional health of a community but where there is a division, it is in the future. By the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we will know an eternity of joy, peace and love. There is no end to the goodness. For all, there will be a judgement, one that I do not know the full outcome because I am not the judge. All I can do is live a righteous life, give all the credit and glory to God and share the message. For those who do not believe or question the validity of my God, my answer is this – it is your choice to make.

This Sunday, we invite you to join us either in person or online as we celebrate the love and joy of our Saviour and King. Services start at 10:30 MST and can be seen live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or viewed afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd